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Nanoparticle Enhanced Lubricant Tribology


Problem Space:
Investigate the enhanced tribological (friction and wear) properties of lubricants due to addition of nanoparticles. This project will take advantage of the development of stable nanoparticle-laden paraffinic oils at AU and will investigate the improved lubrication properties of these suspensions.


Experimental Characterization of Nanoparticle Laden Lubricants.

Abstract:


The objective of this topic is to investigate the effect of nanoparticles additives on the tribological behavior of the nano-lubricants. Various lubricant characterization, friction testing and surface analysis techniques are being used for this purpose. In regards to experimental studies, in some of the reported researches in the literature the nanoparticles were mixed into the oil along with a dispersing fluid such as glycol. The dispersing fluid did not appear to be added to the base oil used as a control and so could also be causing the change in the lubricant performance. In addition, usually commercial oils are used as base solvents for particles. High concentrations of different additives in commercial oils may result in secondary and uncontrolled chemical reactions of particles. Therefore, there is an uncertainty about the original cause of changes in oil properties. In this proposal, base lubricants with no additives will also be used as the base solvents to isolate the results and investigate the effect of particles explicitly. Also, the nano-lubricants proposed in this study are proven to be exceptionally stable, whereas many others are not stable.

Relevant Data:

Theoretical Multi-scale Nanopaticle Contact Model

Abstract:


A review of the nanoparticle lubrication literature shows many contradicting results and conclusions on identifying the active mechanism of nanoparticles in boundary lubrication regime. There are two aspects of nano-lubricant systems which makes it difficult to produce conclusive investigations. Firstly, the multi-scale nature of the system, meaning that nanoparticles, micron size roughness features and macro size effects coexist and play roles simultaneously. Secondly, due to their nature, nanoparticles in lubricants are governed by a wide variety of physical mechanisms, such as adhesion, Brownian motion, scale dependent strength, interfacial and chemical interactions, cluster formation, hydrodynamics, abrasive wear and erosion. The approach taken in this paper tries to identify, quantify and evaluate the most influential parameters affecting the system into a model that can illuminate the mechanisms behind the friction and wear behavior of nano-lubricants. Such a model is based on and backed up by the extensive available data on nanoparticles and nanotribology. The focus of this objective is to develop a proper methodology to consider different mechanical aspects of nanoparticle lubricant in the modeling of the contact between rough surfaces separated by a nanoparticle lubricant.

Relevant Data: